DISTRIBUTION: Eastern U.S.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Hackberry is closely related to sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) and is a member of the elm family. There is little difference between sapwood and heartwood which is yellowish grey to light brown with yellow streaks. The wood is very susceptible to blue staining before and after kiln-drying, and has irregular grain, occasionally straight but sometimes interlocked, with a fine, uniform texture.
WORKING PROPERTIES: The wood planes and turn well and is intermediate in its ability to hold nails and screws, and stains satisfactorily. Hackberry dries readily with minimal degrade. It has a fairly high shrinkage and is most suitable in cut stock (small/short pieces).
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES: Hackberry is moderately hard, heavy, and has medium bending strength, high shock resistance, but is low in stiffness. It has a good steam-bending classification.
AVAILABILITY: Reasonable.
MAIN USES: Furniture, kitchen cabinets, millwork, doors, and moulding.

OTHER NAMES: Sugarberry.